Mex-a-Hole!

Dayton is host to an ever-growing community of Latin Americans. Which is great because it means we might actually begin to get some decent Latin cuisine in our little town. The way trends and tastes work in the U.S. is that they start on the coasts and slowly migrate to Dayton. Because of this we are usually about ten years behind the curve with food, sad I know. Just now we are seeing an influx of Asian food in the Miami Valley, again about ten years after Japanese was hip on the west coast. I digress…MEX-A-HOLE!
My friends and I have an affectionate little name for a new-ish Mexican restaurant deep in the heart of the red-neckery that is East Dayton. The restaurant’s name is Taqueria Mixteca or simply “Mex-a-Hole.” I had occasion to dine their today and can I say, “Wow!” I have been to this little hole-in-the-wall on several occasions and it is always so good. It is located in an old burger barn and half of that failed restaurant’s old signage is still in place and there is a defunked drive through as well as several weird put in a quarter and get a rubber sticky hand type machines. But the food, oh my God, the food! Their menu is of reasonable size and offers a good sampling of authentic Mexican food. The great thing about Mex-a-Hole is the size of the portions. I have never spent more than ten dollars at this place and I have always had more food than I could eat. My usual is to get their chorizo enchiladas as I have an affinity for all things pork. My cohort ordered the nachos Maya. When the plates were delivered by one of only two waitresses employed by Mex-a-Hole we were, as always, pleased. The chorizo here is fatty and flavorful without being too greasy or processed tasting. Also it is not overly spicy. If the guest desires heat several fantastic house-made salsas are placed at each table upon the guest’s arrival. The meat is folded into warm tortillas that are red in color and have a texture similar to flat bread. All this served with gooey white farmer’s cheese and rice and beans. As for the nachos they were full of flavor and the chicken was braised to perfection. The toppings on Nick’s mountain of food included guacamole, pickled jalapenos, onion, salsa (house-made), farmer’s cheese, and beans. Now I realize that we are talking authentic Mexican food and I defy you to find a restaurant in Mexico that serves nachos to anyone who isn’t some tourist gringo but these things are off the hook! Authenticity aside this is one hell of a plate of food for seven bucks, besides this is Ohio.
If you have not been to Mex-a-Hole and you live in Dayton you are doing yourself and your stomach a disservice. Get your ass down to East Third St. today!